Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago has welcomed two new emperor tamarins, Sal and Feta, to their habitat at the Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House. These primates are noted for their distinctive white mustaches and long golden-red tails.

Sal, an 8-year-old male from Chattanooga Zoo in Tennessee, and Feta, a 4-year-old female from Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford, Massachusetts, have arrived with a breeding recommendation through the Bearded Emperor Tamarin Species Survival Plan. This plan is part of a collaborative effort among institutions within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to manage species populations. "It’s always particularly exciting to welcome a new species to the zoo," said Lincoln Park Zoo Curator Dan Boehm. "We are hopeful future offspring will support the next generation of a species which is such a rewarding opportunity."

Emperor tamarins are native to the Amazon Basin regions including Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. They typically inhabit wooded areas and live in family groups that can include up to 15 individuals. These primates are not currently endangered but face threats from deforestation and human activities.

In addition to conservation efforts within zoos, Lincoln Park Zoo is advocating for legislative measures like the Captive Primate Safety Act (CPSA) aimed at prohibiting private ownership of nonhuman primates.

Lincoln Park Zoo continues its mission as a leader in wildlife conservation and education while remaining free and open throughout the year.